The theme parks of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios draw visitors from the United States and the entire world. They come to experience the fun and entertainment of Disney, and spend a lot of money.
Ticket prices to Walt Disney World can cost up to $90 US for a single day, but discounts are available for multi-day tickets. The worst deal is walking up to the window in the morning and purchasing a ticket. Deals are available from the American Automobile Association (AAA), hotels and over the internet.
Ticket buyers will give up some flexibility, but can save substantial dollars by locking in a deal. Reduced admission is also available to those who stay at the Disney Resorts. The other popular amusement parks in the Orlando area also offer discounts for those willing to do a little legwork, or searching on the internet.
Paying Extra for Gasoline
The price for gas varies in the US, but the current average price is around $3.50 a gallon. Prices in tourist areas can vary widely, and wildly. Recently, in Orlando, gas stations away from the tourist areas charged prices at $3.40 a gallon. The accompanying photo documents one station on Vineland Avenue, in the heart of tourist area, charging $5.59 per gallon.
This is obviously an attempt to charge high prices to those unfamiliar with the going rate, or for those who indiscriminately pump without looking at the price. International visitors are the most likely to be caught in this trap, since gasoline currently costs over $7 a gallon in Europe. This price may actually seem like a bargain.
Cheaper Souvenirs in Orlando
Visitors will pay exorbitant prices for clothing and other trinkets as a memento of their trip to Orlando if they buy them at the theme parks or from the official shops at Downtown Disney. There are alternatives, including prominent souvenir shops located near, but not in the theme parks.
Guests should make sure they purchase staples such as batteries and sunscreen at local stores or pharmacies to avoid the high mark-ups at the park concessions.
It is necessary to eat and drink during the long day at the park, but eating before arriving can reduce the cost of expensive meals. Better hotels offer breakfast, but the prices there will be also be much higher than a family can do for themselves, or with a stop at one of the many local fast food restaurants.
Travelers coming from a far should expect to pay quite a bit of money to enjoy themselves at Disney World and the other parks in Orlando, but a bit of planning will stretch those dollars to provide for an even better vacation or holiday.
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